| Introduction: Contextual Introduction Body: Highlight challenges faced by women in science in India & measures to ensure their full inclusion Conclusion: Way forward |
Women in India face a “minefield” of challenges in STEM fields, often starting early due to educational barriers, societal expectations, and workplace discrimination.
Key Challenges Faced by Women in Science in India
- Educational Barriers and Early Attrition: Limited access to quality STEM education, especially in rural areas. Gender norms discourage girls from pursuing science, creating an early disadvantage.
- Cultural and Familial Expectations: Women face pressure to prioritize family responsibilities over career growth. Career breaks for childbirth and caregiving affect research continuity.
- Gender Bias in Hiring, Promotions, and Funding: Women constitute only 17% of faculty in STEM across 98 institutions in India. Representation is even lower in higher-ranked institutions and leadership roles. Women scientists are often overlooked for grants, conferences, and career-enhancing opportunities.
- Harassment and Non-Inclusive Work Environments: Academic settings often pose hostile conditions, discouraging retention. Safety concerns, lack of institutional support, and exclusion from research networks further alienate women.
- Leaky Pipeline and Career Transitions: The postdoc-to-faculty transition is particularly difficult due to low confidence, familial responsibilities, and lack of role models. Structural barriers lead to higher dropout rates, described by models like the “Leaky Pipeline” and “Chutes and Ladders”.
Measures to Ensure Full Inclusion of Women in Science
- Institutional Reforms for Gender Equity: Expanding policies like flexible work options, affordable childcare, and work-family integration. Ensuring transparent hiring, promotions, and research funding to eliminate gender bias. Strengthening initiatives like BiasWatchIndia to expose disparities and demand accountability.
- Enhancing Representation and Leadership Opportunities: Increasing the proportion of women in senior roles and decision-making committees. Encouraging mentorship networks and re-entry programs for women returning from career breaks.
- Recognizing and Showcasing Women’s Achievements: Highlighting success stories of women in STEM to challenge stereotypes and inspire young girls. Addressing the Matilda Effect to ensure women receive due credit for scientific contributions.
- Strengthening Government Initiatives: Scaling up programs like GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) and WISE-KIRAN. Expanding Women Scientists Scheme (WOS) and BioCARe to support career continuity. Implementing age-neutral grant policies to accommodate career interruptions.
- Creating Inclusive and Safe Work Environments: Strengthening anti-harassment policies and grievance redressal mechanisms. Providing safe research spaces, fieldwork support, and transport facilities for women.
Conclusion
An inclusive and diverse scientific workforce is essential for India’s technological leadership and innovation. India must scale existing efforts, recognize women’s scientific contributions, and foster a more inclusive STEM ecosystem—setting a powerful global example in gender equity.
